Mental Health Aide I or II (Tigard Respite)

Mental Health Aide I or II (Tigard Respite)

Job Overview

Location/Schedule:  This position will be located at Tigard Respite.
The schedule for this position is Friday through Monday, 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Position: Mental Health Aide I or II

Program: Secure

Mission

Cascadia Health delivers whole health care – integrated mental health and addiction services, primary care, and housing – to promote hope and support the well-being of the communities we serve.
 

Vision

We envision a community where everyone benefits from whole health care, experiences well-being, and has a self-directed, connected life.

Description: Respite is a voluntary program that occurs within a safe and relaxed atmosphere, away from the stressors that may be impacting an individual's sense of security and stability. Residents at Respite receive three meals a day, interact in the milieu, explore hobbies, take a walk in a quiet neighborhood setting, and always receive on-site support from caring and skillful respite staff. Respite provides support for individuals who need further stabilization due to recent medication adjustment or needs a break from current living situation which appears to be increasing psychiatric symptoms and is diagnosed with a mental illness.

Position Summary: As a Mental Health Aide at Cascadia Health, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals with mental health challenges within our residential settings. Your responsibilities include assisting with daily living activities, implementing individualized care plans, and fostering a safe, supportive environment for our residents. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to promote recovery and enhance the overall well-being of those in your care. This position requires compassion, patience, and a commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed care.

Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group based therapeutic interventions for residents as directed by the mental health treatment plan and meet productivity standards.

• Provide supervision and support to residents in areas of self-care, hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, use of public transportation, supporting residents with community integration and social skills and other areas of support.

• Coordinate with shift partner(s) and staff ending shift regarding resident concerns, needed follow-up, building/program needs, etc.

• Accompany residents to, and assist residents during various types of appointments, outings and activities out in the community, generally using a company provided vehicle, i.e. smaller or larger passenger van, when possible

• Provide medication administration; administer medications following the providers orders using a Medication Administration Report (MAR).

• Review daily cleaning schedule and collaborate with staff to ensure daily household chores are completed. This includes, but is not limited to, light housekeeping and cleaning of biohazards. Additionally, may assist in meal set-up, preparation, serving, and clean up related to mealtimes or cooking group activities.

• Assist in crisis situations and with de-escalating residents that are in crisis or experiencing significant struggles. Follow emergency protocols and procedures including use of non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques (Pro-ACT)

• Adhere to compliance, required laws and trainings, safety of property and staff, regulations, I.e. Mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPPA, fire regulations

• Participate in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings.

• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policy and procedures and local, state and federal regulations through use of Electronic Health Record System (EHR)

• Complete annul employee training requirements to understand how to conduct ethical work, for professional development, and stay in compliance

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Mental Health Aide I:

  Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

  Compensation: Base Pay $21.90/hr. to $ 22.56/hr. DOE
   

  Mental Health Aide II: 

  Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

  Required: Must have a bachelor’s degree in an approved behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of mental health work experience.

  Required: Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.

   Compensation: Base Pay $24.81/hr. to $25.84/hr. DOE
   

• Experience in a residential mental health setting and providing skills training services is preferred but not required.

• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

• Basic knowledge of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), Motivational Interviewing, and Evidence-Based Practices.

• Basic understanding of recovery models, illness management, and strength-based philosophies.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word & Excel).

• CPR Certification (training provided post-hire).

Working Conditions:

• Environmental: Work is generally performed in a supportive/supported housing facility and occasionally in the community. Universal precautions should be taken due to exposure to disease, biohazards, noise, and contaminants.

• Operating Hours: Mental Health Aides operate on three shifts within a 24/7 window: day shift (7:00 am to 3:30 pm), swing shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm), and overnight shift (11:00 pm to 7:30 am). Float positions fill in shifts as needed and default to one program if no coverage is needed. Per diem (On-call) positions provide coverage up to 12 shifts per quarter, as available. Schedules may vary depending on program.

• Additional Compensation/Differentials: Depending on program, shift, and other factors, additional compensation may be available. Secure locations receive an additional $1.00/hr. for working in a secure facility. Swing shift receives an additional $1.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Overnight shifts receive an additional $3.00/hr. in addition to the base pay. Per diem positions include an additional $2.00/hr. in the base pay in lieu of benefits. Bilingual pay is available depending on language and ability to pass competency exam. 

• Mental: Meal periods and breaks may be interrupted. Constant awareness and alertness are critical to detect and address escalated, potentially volatile situations.

• Physical Demands: Requires constant alertness, perception, and awareness of surroundings. Regularly stationary work at a computer, moving around program spaces, assisting residents with daily living tasks, cleaning, and using a computer for documentation. Requires occasional lifting of 20 to 50 lbs. (e.g., supplies). Requires occasional fast movement in potentially escalated situations to evade harm.

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, contact us at 503-963-7654.

This position is represented by a labor union.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package - Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(b) Retirement Plan - Eligible after 60 days with immediate 100% vesting and a 1-to-1 company match up to 3% per pay period, plus the opportunity for an additional discretionary contribution (up to 5%) at the end of the fiscal year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance
• Student loan forgiveness options

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bike to Work Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Starting Rate Range in USD ($)

$21.90 - $22.56